photo etching metal shims

Photo etching offers several unique advantages:

• Tight Tolerances: Achieve tolerances as fine as ±0.01 mm, making it ideal for high-precision components. 
• No Burrs or Distortion: Unlike stamping or laser cutting, photo etching does not stress or deform the metal, leaving a smooth, flat surface. 
• Complex Geometries: Intricate patterns, small holes, and fine features can be produced with ease. 
• Rapid Prototyping: Fast turnaround from design to production, with no need for expensive tooling changes. 
• Cost-Effective for Short and Medium Runs: Especially economical for complex parts in small to medium volumes. 

Our Photo Etching Capabilities

At TMN, we combine advanced photo etching technology with expert craftsmanship to deliver precision shims tailored to your exact needs.

Materials We Work With

We can photo-etch shims from a wide variety of metals, including:

• Stainless Steel (e.g., 301, 304, 316) 
• Copper and Copper Alloys (e.g., Brass, Beryllium Copper, Phosphor Bronze) 
• Aluminum 
• Nickel and Nickel Alloys (e.g., Inconel, Monel) 
• Titanium 
• Molybdenum 

Thicknesses typically range from 0.01 mm to 1.5 mm, but we can accommodate special requests.

Precision Etching Tolerances

• Standard tolerance: ±0.025 mm 
• High precision: up to ±0.01 mm 
• Minimum feature size: 0.1 mm 
• Minimum hole size: equal to material thickness

 

Applications of Photo-Etched Metal Shims

Our etched shims are used across a broad range of industries where precision and reliability are critical:

Aerospace & Defense

Used for alignment, spacing, and vibration control in aircraft engines, control systems, and satellite components.

Automotive

Ideal for engine components, braking systems, and transmission assemblies where exact tolerances ensure safety and performance.

Electronics

Precision shims help in assembling PCBs, shielding components, and spacing delicate microelectronic devices.

Medical Devices

Used in surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and implants where cleanliness, reliability, and accuracy are paramount.

Industrial Manufacturing

From robotics to HVAC, our shims help reduce downtime, extend equipment life, and maintain precision alignment.

Our Process: From Design to Delivery

We follow a meticulous, quality-focused approach to ensure every shim we produce meets your expectations.

Step 1: Design & CAD Review

You provide your drawings or concepts—we’ll convert them into CAD files optimized for photo etching. We can assist with design modifications to ensure manufacturability and cost-efficiency.

Step 2: Tooling Creation

We create a high-resolution photo tool (film mask) that defines the shape and details of your shim. Unlike traditional tooling, this is quick and inexpensive to modify.

Step 3: Metal Preparation

The chosen metal sheet is cleaned and coated with a light-sensitive resist to prepare for exposure.

Step 4: UV Exposure

The film is placed over the metal, and UV light is used to harden the exposed areas. The unexposed areas will later be removed.

Step 5: Developing & Etching

We develop the metal, washing away the unexposed resist. The metal is then immersed in an etching solution that dissolves the exposed areas—creating your shim with precise detail.

Step 6: Inspection & Finishing

All parts are thoroughly inspected for dimensional accuracy, surface quality, and feature integrity. Additional services like deburring, plating, heat treatment, and packaging can be applied if required.

Why Choose TMN for Your Etched Shims?

Precision Engineering

With cutting-edge technology and a skilled team, we deliver exceptional accuracy and repeatability.

Customization

Every shim is made to your exact specifications—no matter how complex the design.

Rapid Turnaround

Need it fast? We offer express prototyping and short lead times without compromising on quality.

Scalable Production

From a single prototype to large-volume orders, we scale production based on your requirements.

ISO Standards

Our quality assurance systems are aligned with ISO standards, ensuring consistency and performance in every batch.

Finishing Options

We provide a variety of finishing services to enhance your shims’ performance and appearance:

• Deburring & Polishing 
• Plating (Nickel, Gold, Silver) 
• Heat Treatment 
• Laser Marking 
• Adhesive Backing 
• Forming or Bending (Post-etch) 

Industries We Serve

• Aerospace 
• Automotive 
• Medical 
• Electronics 
• Telecommunications 
• Energy 
• Defense 
• Instrumentation 

Let’s Get Started

Whether you're developing a new product or improving an existing assembly, TMN Metal Parts Fabrication is ready to help you source photo etched metal shims that meet your needs for accuracy, durability, and efficiency.

Contact Us Today

Let’s talk about your shim project. Our engineers are happy to consult and provide a fast, free quote.